Bedford preschool plans charity fundraising event

BEDFORD - Preschoolers from Bedford's New Morning School will walk, run, bike and scooter their way toward a donation to two local charities.

Students will collect donations and make their way around a track that will be painted in the school parking lot in May.

All proceeds will be divided between the Goffstown Network and the Our Promise to Nicholas Foundation, which raises awareness for Batten disease, said Center Director Christi Garrison.

"It's a really low-key, fun event, and it's good exercise," Garrison said, noting that each year, the children participate in a fundraising event for charity.

Garrison said the staff ties the event in with the outdoors, summer and bicycle safety, but also talks to the children about the importance of giving back to the community.

"There are times when we all need a helping hand, and they understand that," Garrison said.

Last year, the school presented the Goffstown Network a check for $502, which was used to keep the food pantry up and running.

Dave Greiner, president of the Goffstown Network, said monetary donations are especially appreciated this time of year, when donations from the holiday season have run out.

"We really appreciate all of the support we get at the holidays," Greiner said, "but people are sometimes surprised to hear our donations dry up during the summer - everything we get from now until November is a huge help."

Greiner said the Network purchases 65 to 70 percent of its supplies from the New Hampshire Food Bank at a cost of about nine cents per pound.

"We used to live primarily on donated food, now it's mostly purchased food that gets us by," he said. "That really makes money go a long way."

Garrison said it was important to support local organizations.

"Our kids come from all over, not just Bedford and Goffstown," she said. "We like to spread it out and keep it local."

Garrison said she doesn't think the children at New Morning are too young to get a feel for serving their community.

"They're four years old, but they're not too young to make a difference," she said.